Lucknow,

12 Aug (HS): Local anger against religious conversions is growing in the

Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow. On Tuesday, a revenue team arrived in Bhadesuwa

village to survey the church. A large number of villagers gathered outside the

church and began protesting the conversions.

The

two daughters of the church's caretaker, Rajesh Gautam, also argued fiercely

with the villagers and did not allow anyone to enter the premises. Both of them

closed the gate from inside. The revenue team also had to struggle hard to

enter inside. After a lot of persuasion, both of them agreed. The anger among

the local people against religious conversion is increasing in Mohanlalganj

area of Lucknow. On Tuesday, the revenue team reached Bhadesuwa village to

measure the church. During this, a large number of villagers gathered outside

the church and started creating ruckus in protest against religious conversion.

Only

after the measurement will it be clear in whose name the land on which the

church has been built is registered. Tehsildar Mohanlalganj Rituraj Shukla says

that the land is very old. The measurement is being done. The team visited

again on Wednesday.

The

gang even distributed goats and chickens: Locals said the gang lured people

into conversion by offering sewing machines, water coolers, and bicycles. The

poor families were lured into accepting their help. They were then given goats

and chickens as well. Gradually, they were converted from Hinduism to

Christianity.

A

police team also visited Bhadesuwa village and appealed to local residents to

maintain peace. Police said that if any victims come forward, a report will be

filed and action will be taken.

Reduced

suspicious activities: Local resident Ram Milan said that about 15 families

have converted to Christianity. These people refuse to donate to Hindu

religious events. Large numbers of people gather at the church every Sunday.

Suspicious activities have decreased in the past few days, and the number of

outsiders visiting has also decreased.

Demand

for action against conversion gang, memorandum submitted: Demanding action

against religious conversions, All India Hindu Mahasabha national spokesperson

Shishir Chaturvedi submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister to

Hazratganj Additional Inspector Santosh Patel on Tuesday. He demanded an

investigation into churches operating in the state and their associated

properties. He said that officials and workers would soon protest on this

issue. The inspector stated that the allegations received in the memorandum are

being investigated.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi